The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A living book at The Regent Theatre.

 Many people, young and old, will have fond memories of reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, with its delightful and iconic illustrations and charming tale. The Regent Theatre is very pleased to have secured the critically acclaimed stage show conversion, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, for five shows in July.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show brings the incredible stories by genius of children’s literature, Eric Carle, to life on stage. The show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets and faithfully adapts four of Carle’s beloved books: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mr Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

This Australian-made show is for new readers and first-time theatre-goers, while for those who grew up with these books will delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is an adventure in the world of Eric Carle, with audiences transported into a giant pop-up book filled with amazing characters, such as an 8ft red crocodile, a life size yellow cow, an underwater world filled with all types of sea creatures, a beautiful three metre butterfly and of course, the hero of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

A relaxed performance

The 3pm performance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is a relaxed performance, modified to accommodate the needs of children with autism and other special needs, as well as their whanau and carers.

To make the visit to the theatre even easier, we are producing a social story, outlining each step, from arriving at the Regent to the end of the show. Printed copies of this will be available from the Regent Box Office, and downloadable pdfs from the Regent website from the beginning of June.

What is a relaxed performance?

Relaxed performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for children on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities, along with their friends, carers and families. Performances are provided in a supportive and non-judgemental environment, with slight modifications to sound and lighting, an open door policy and a quiet area available.

Do you love Eric Carle?

Here are some websites where you can find out more about him.

The Eric Carle website 

The Eric Carle Museum of Art 

Eric Carle online stories 

Reviews

“Without giving too much away, it’s fair to say that the beauty of the puppets here is literally breathtaking.” – The Daily Telegraph
“Filled with ‘wow’ moments and stunning effects throughout, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is mesmerising.” – Timeout Sydney
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is a gorgeous little stage production for children aged one to seven.” – The Sun Herald
“The show retains the elegance and high visual impact of Carle's idiom with the most beautiful puppets … This is no pantomime: it is 'high-brow' children's theatre more akin to the tradition of Asian shadow-puppet story-telling.” – Artshub
“It was great! Colourful, bright, fun and the perfect length of time for easily bored toddlers. Loved it!” – Ashley, 26, from Faulconbridge
“That was magical. I have been reading Eric Carle stories to children for 40 years (teacher) but this was a whole new magical level! Thank you for a lovely experience.” – Angie, 62, from Cherrybrook

Show details:

10am, 12 noon & 3pm Saturday 29th July

10am & 12 noon, 30th July

Tickets: $25-$30 (group prices available. Fees may apply)

Book at the Regent Box Office: 03 4778597 or online at Ticket Direct